Egypt's ready-made clothing sector has achieved significant growth in exports to European markets, with a total value of $1.087 billion in the first 8 months of 2026. This represents a 26% increase from the same period in 2025, when exports were valued at $861 million. Europe remains the leading importer of Egyptian ready-made clothing, accounting for approximately 43% of the sector's total exports.
The Egyptian Export Council for Ready-Made Clothing, led by Engineer Fadel Marzouq, reported that the sector's total exports during the first 8 months of 2026 reached $2.525 billion, compared to $2.177 billion during the same period in 2025. This represents a 16% annual growth rate. In August 2026 alone, exports were valued at $382 million, up from $310 million in August 2025, representing a 23% increase.
Engineer Fadel Marzouq, head of the Egyptian Export Council for Ready-Made Clothing, attributed the growth in exports to the continued demand for Egyptian products in external markets and the sector's ongoing improvement in performance. He noted that the sector is working in line with a strong strategic plan to increase exports to European countries, particularly in light of global trade changes and the trend towards nearshoring.
Marzouq highlighted that the current changes in the global trade landscape, including the trend towards nearshoring, present an opportunity for the Egyptian ready-made clothing sector. He emphasized that Egypt's proximity to European markets and its ability to meet importers' needs make it an attractive partner. European importers have started to strengthen partnerships with Egyptian manufacturers and exporters, driven by global shipping and supply chain challenges.
Spain led the European markets in terms of growth, with Egyptian exports increasing by 61% during the first 8 months of 2026 to reach $227 million, up from $142 million during the same period in 2025. Marzouq noted that this growth reflects the ability of Egyptian companies to increase their competitiveness and expand their customer base in international markets.
The Egyptian Export Council for Ready-Made Clothing aims to achieve exports of over $4 billion by the end of 2026, representing a growth rate of at least 20-22% compared to 2025. The council reported that the United States remains the largest importer of Egyptian ready-made clothing, with exports valued at $985 million during the first 8 months of 2026, representing a 13% increase from the same period in 2025.
Key points
- Egypt's ready-made clothing exports to Europe exceeded $1 billion in the first 8 months of 2026.
- The sector's total exports during the first 8 months of 2026 reached $2.525 billion, representing a 16% annual growth rate.
- Spain led the European markets in terms of growth, with Egyptian exports increasing by 61% during the first 8 months of 2026.
